Kevin Colley - New Haven

MIKE STOBE / GETTY IMAGES

Former New York Islanders center Kevin Colley, righ, had a very brief NHL career that was cut short just 16 games into his first season with a career-ending spine injury. In the 2005-06 season, Colley broke his fifth cervical vertebra when he crashed head-first into the boards trying to check an opposing player in a game against the Washington Capitals, forcing him to retire at age 27. In his post-playing career, Colley has taken up coaching. He is currently the head coach of the Utah Grizzlies, a minor league team that is part of the ECHL. Colley was born in New Haven.

Former New York Islanders center Kevin Colley, righ, had a very brief NHL career that was cut short just 16 games into his first season with a career-ending spine injury. In the 2005-06 season, Colley broke his fifth cervical vertebra when he crashed head-first into the boards trying to check an opposing player in a game against the Washington Capitals, forcing him to retire at age 27. In his post-playing career, Colley has taken up coaching. He is currently the head coach of the Utah Grizzlies, a minor league team that is part of the ECHL. Colley was born in New Haven. (MIKE STOBE / GETTY IMAGES)

Former New York Islanders center Kevin Colley, righ, had a very brief NHL career that was cut short just 16 games into his first season with a career-ending spine injury. In the 2005-06 season, Colley broke his fifth cervical vertebra when he crashed head-first into the boards trying to check an opposing player in a game against the Washington Capitals, forcing him to retire at age 27. In his post-playing career, Colley has taken up coaching. He is currently the head coach of the Utah Grizzlies, a minor league team that is part of the ECHL. Colley was born in New Haven.